(Star) We were all standing on top of a building with a perfect view of what was happening down below. When we got a message for everyone to meet in the courtyard where Yuma first met Astral earlier this morning, we were all in a hurry to get there. It said that Yuma and Astral would have one last duel before the latter returned to his home-world, sending Yuma's parents home in the process. I had called Lotus and Hart to also come, since they both deserved to watch the duel along with Iris; plus, Chris told me Lotus enjoyed being with the two little ones. The three of them weren't far from the Numbers Club on the ground. I even brought Shadow along for the duel, so as not to risk her getting out with the still war-torn city; she was down with Iris. I personally wasn't just standing on the building for a bird's eye view; a lot of Light-attribute monsters were in both Yuma and Astral's decks, and I didn't want a relapse of getting caught in the crossfire.
"Quattro, Trey, we should feel privileged that we get to witness this match," Chris reminded his brothers. "But yet, something about this duel gives me pause. But I do not know why."
"No need to worry about that," Quattro smirked, "since you and Ghost Girl are lovebirds now."
"Don't even go there, Puppet Master," I muttered with a hiss. Ever since Quattro found us asleep in the same bed this morning, he's been teasing us about it with every chance he had. Especially with his older brother insisting I call him by his real name.
Chris and I noticed that Yuma and Astral were very tense and determined, with Tori mainly feeling worried. I could sense that Yuma and Astral were partially blocking their thoughts about why they were acting as such. As a way of helping to cope with the distance from the duel, I was currently trying to help Chris with his newly-acquired abilities; namely, mind-reading.
Try starting with Tori, I suggested. She's fairly easy to read. She isn't partially blocking her mind like Yuma and Astral at the moment.
I can detect some sort of sound, he replied. Is that normal?
As far as I know, yes. You need to concentrate on the sounds coming from Tori's mind. Those sounds are frequencies that the brain emits; mind-readers are naturally able to hear them. See if you can make words out of those sounds as you concentrate on Tori.
"They just think it's fun and games," Chris finally repeated from Tori's thoughts. "They have no idea what's at stake."
I nodded in approval as Yuma and Astral prepared their D-pads, and we got ready to spectate. Good work, Chris; you got it on the first try. She's only able to let out that little bit past the shock in her mind. We'll probably be able to see all of it in due time.
Yuma had first draw, summoning Gogogo Golem. His turn wasn't exactly long, since he just set three facedowns and ended his turn.
Curious, Astral thought. Why would he summon Gogogo Golem in Attack Mode when it is better at defense? He drew and activated the spell Parallel Unit to copy Yuma's monster onto his own field. He then used the spell Solid Overlay to substitute for a monster to Xyz summon, which he did to bring out Utopia. He activated Double Rank-Up Magic Utopia Force to use Utopia's OLUs and summon rank 5 Utopia Ray Victory and rank 6 Utopia Beyond. He used Beyond's ability to reduce Golem's atk to zero before Yuma used his Guardraw trap to switch it to Defense Mode, also drawing a card.
"When Gogogo Golem's in Defense Mode, Yuma can survive two attacks without taking any damage at all," Trey recalled.
"I gotta hand it to him; that was pretty slick," Quattro complimented.
"Perhaps," Chris partially agreed, "but I doubt it will work."
I nodded. "Yuma's up against a triple assault from his own ace. Number 39 isn't called Utopia for nothing. His name means perfection itself; and with Utopia's history of saving Yuma and Astral in their darkest duels, to say the monster lives to his name is an understatement."
Astral had Victory attack the Golem, using its OLU to negate the opposing monster's effects, as well as leave Yuma unable to use his facedowns in the fight. After the battle, Yuma used his Guard Go trap to resurrect his monster and bring out lvl 6 Dododo Warrior and lvl 4 Gagaga Magician. Astral was mildly impressed by how Yuma tripled his defense, but Utopia and Beyond quickly took out Gagaga and Dododo. He used Rank-Up Magic Dark Force to swap out Utopia for Utopia Ray V and rank 6 Number 25: Force Focus. He then used Grave Chaos to summon Utopia Ray, since the original was in the Graveyard. He even used Beyond's ability to use its OLU to banish Force Focus and bring back the original Utopia, as well as give him 1250 LP, raising it to 5250. "Do you still hold the absurd notion that you can win, Yuma?"
"This doesn't look like a fair fight," Trey frowned.
"That's the understatement of the year," Quattro scoffed.
"For once, we agree," I stated. I looked towards Tori again, able to see the whole memory of what Yuma told her.
"Astral's going to destroy Barian world?" Tori asked.
"That's right," Yuma confirmed. "And I'm the only one who can stop him; by winning our duel. Everybody loves Astral, so I don't want them to know the truth. So let's just keep this secret between you and me. I don't want to tarnish their memories. It's not like he's gonna erase theirs; only mine."
Mine and Chris' eyes widened at hearing that. That's what's happening: Astral's going to erase Yuma's memory if he loses this duel, he realized.
The nerve! I mentally exclaimed. Even after knowing that the Barians aren't evil, Astral has the audacity to still wish to destroy it?! Numeron and Hakumei wouldn't let that happen if their existence depended on it!
Astral told Utopia to attack Gogogo Golem, then had Utopia Ray do the same thing after the Golem's ability saved it. Utopia Ray V attacked directly, leaving Yuma with only 1400 LP.
"Yuma's taking a beating!" Trey gasped.
Quattro nodded. "I know. And it doesn't look like Astral cares."
I disagreed with Quattro there. Astral did care; he was extremely worried about Yuma. But he was subconsciously hiding it behind a mask of determination to fulfill his mission. He activated the spell Xyz Treasure to draw five cards, placing three facedown to end his turn.
"Astral's unstoppable," Trey continued to fret. "Not only does he have five Utopias, he just replenished his entire hand, too."
"It's like watching a lion play with his next appetizer," Quattro added.
"None of this surprises me," Chris commented honestly. "Despite Yuma's growth as a duelist, he is still outclassed and outmatched."
I agreed. "Not only is he dueling an alien whose age is probably a few millenia, but this particular alien has practically lived with Yuma ever since he first appeared. Astral knows all of Yuma's tricks and battle styles, partially because he taught them to him." I looked up at my soulmate. "It's almost like when you were dueling your own student."
If they only knew the truth, Tori thought down below.
"Yuma, even with your limited intellect, it must be clear that it is pointless to continue," Astral chided.
Yuma slowly stood up, - surprisingly to all of us - laughing. "Why would I give up? This is, like, the best duel ever! Whenever I played any of the Utopias, I could only see them from behind, so I never knew what they looked like face-to-face. And they're cooler and more intimidating than I ever imagined! This is so awesome! I knew I'd get my chance to see all five Utopias if I just hung in there! And that's why I'll never give up. Hope you're ready for me, because I'm feeling the flow!" he exclaimed before he drew his card.
Yuma, if you fail to conquer this challenge, there is no hope for your future, Astral thought coldly. I'll make sure of that.
Yuma activated Xyz Treasure to also draw five cards. He summoned lvl 4 Gagaga Mancer, using its effect to bring back Gagaga Magician. Contrary to Astral's assumption of Yuma overlaying the two, Yuma actually used the trap Gagagamirage to duplicate both his monsters. He overlaid two Gagaga Mancers to Xyz summon rank 4 Gagaga Cowboy, and two Gagaga Magicians to Xyz summon rank 4 Gagaga Samurai.
Alright, you two, I told the duel monsters, your duelist's memories and a world of innocent ones are depending on you. Show this Astral being just how far the East is from the West.
No problem there, little lady, Cowboy replied in a Western accent.
We'll do our best for the sake of the innocent, Samurai agreed cordially.
Yuma used Samurai's effect, using his OLU to allow both monsters to attack twice. Cowboy also used his OLU to gain 1000 atk, raising it to 2500, while each of Astral's monsters lost 500 atk. Astral was already prepared for that, since Utopia Beyond's ability made the Utopia family immune to Yuma's monsters. Yuma was able to use Gagaga Mancer's ability from the Graveyard, banishing it to raise Cowboy's atk to 3000. With that, Yuma was able to have Cowboy destroy Utopia Ray and Utopia Ray V, lowering Astral's LP to 4350.
Trey smiled in relief. "Yuma managed to destroy two Numbers."
"I will admit, that is quite impressive," Chris mused. "Since Utopia Ray and Utopia Ray V lost their special abilities, they could be destroyed even by monsters that weren't Numbers."
"Yuma just has to find a way to get past the other three Utopias, and Astral will be wide open," I added.
"Not too shabby," Quattro concurred. "But let's see if he can keep up the momentum."
Yuma played the spell Gagaga Mirror Slash to turn Samurai into Utopia Beyond, which won't only be immortal, but the original one's atk would be dealt as damage to Astral once it's destroyed. Astral's Utopia Beyond was easily destroyed, dealing him 3000 damage, lowering his LP to 1350. Yuma could also attack with Samurai again, transforming him into Utopia Ray Victory. Astral activated the spell Heat and Heal to gain the original Utopia's atk as LP, raising it to 2850; the spell became Utopia's OLU afterward. Despite Astral's Utopia Ray Victory being destroyed, his LP only dropped to 1050, so he was still in the duel.
"I now realize how careless I've been," Astral stated as he got up. "I should've paid more attention to your earlier words. 'See all five.' You clearly verbalized that you knew I'd summon all five Utopias. That is why you had a strategy ready to counteract them."
Yuma nodded. "Yeah, that was the plan. It was taking forever to build the right deck; my brain hurt, but then it hit me. In all our duels together, you always told me to figure out what my opponent's thinking so that I'd have a strategy to fight back. So that's what I did, and maybe - just maybe - if I can understand what you're thinking, I can find a way to change your mind so that you'll abandon your mission. My odds might be a million to one - it could be a bazillion-trillion-shabillion to one. But that doesn't matter to me; what does matter is that as long as there's a slim chance that you'll see things my way, then I'm going to take those odds. Because I'm not giving up, and I'm not giving up on you!" He set three facedowns to end his turn letting Cowboy's atk return to normal.
Astral smiled secretly before recovering his cold expression. "You expect me to change my mind? How foolish. I will never allow you to walk away victorious, Yuma. For I will defend Astral world!"
"Defend Astral world?" Quattro echoed. "Any clue what he's talking about?"
"Beats me," shrugged Trey, "something's up."
"And I think we know what," Chris spoke up. "This is no friendly duel. If it's true that Astral is still battling for the survival of his homeworld, he intends to destroy Barian world."
"Along with all the soldiers that live there," I added. "Astral doesn't understand the Barians the way humans and Phantoms do. Astral beings strove to become stronger by getting rid of Barian's Chaos energy, and all emotion along with it. The Barians were human themselves at some point, and they've all seen the worst in others, including themselves. Overall, Astral wants to eradicate a world of people that he knows full-well isn't evil."
"No way!" Trey cried. "Yuma will not let Astral do that."
"That's precisely why Yuma is dueling Astral," Chris explained. "I can't imagine the emotional toll it's taking on him."
Astral drew and had Utopia attack Cowboy; Yuma used Half Unbreak to protect himself and his monster. But Astral used his Absolute Buster trap to negate the trap card, destroying Cowboy and dropping Yuma's LP to 900. Astral then set three facedowns, ending his turn.
Utopia, Yuma thought as he struggled to his feet, you were the very first Xyz monster I summoned. I'll never forget that day because it was the moment that changed my life forever. When things got rough, you were there to pull me out of the fire. I always knew I'd have a shot to win as long as you were by my side. But now you're not by my side; I have to fight you. I have to defeat you and Astral. It just feels all kinds of wrong. But I've got no choice but to keep dueling.
Yuma drew and activated the spell Gagaga Revenge to resurrect Gagaga Cowboy, using him to attack Utopia.
Trey gasped. "The stress must've gotten to Yuma, because this attack is nuts!"
"No," I declined, scanning Yuma's mind. "He's planning something; I can see it."
Astral knew it, too, and used Utopia's OLU to stop the attack. Yuma figured that would happen, and used the trap Light Wing Bumper to negate Utopia's abilities and subtract 800 atk, lowering it to 1700. Yuma then had Gagaga Samurai attack, destroying Utopia and lowering Astral's LP to 850.
"That was impressive," Astral commended. "Truly. Only a courageous fool would launch such a self-destructive maneuver." He smiled slightly. "But I expected nothing less."
Yuma grinned. "Man, I've never had a duel this fun in the longest time! I just wish that's all we were dueling for." He recalled how Astral was planning to destroy Barian world with the Numeron Code. "It ain't fair, Astral. It's like every single time I duel, the fate of the galaxy is at stake. And look what it cost me: I had to say goodbye to Shark, Kite, some of my closest friends! I was never gonna pick up my deck again until you said your dumb mission wasn't over and dragged me into this duel! Why do I always have to duel with something on the line?!"
Astral pondered for a moment. "Was this not the only way I could force you to duel again? Yuma, you have always maintained that all problems can be solved through dueling, so let me see you try!" He activated Rank-Down Magic Utopia Fall to Xyz de-evolve Utopia into rank 1 Number 39: Utopia Roots, before Yuma set a facedown to end his turn.
Astral drew and activated the spell Number Fortification to raise Roots' atk by 1500 to 2000, along with using two Shark Drake and Prime Photon as OLUs. Yuma, these monsters must remind you of your duels against Shark and Kite. Of how your formidable enemies became your irreplaceable friends. I cannot help but to conclude that as your duels became more intense and infinitely dangerous, you were no longer dueling to duel, you were dueling to survive. In the process, you have lost something that you cannot - must not - live without. I hope this duel reminds you what that is. He had Roots attack Gagaga Cowboy, but Yuma switched Samurai to Defense Mode so that he'd be the target instead. Astral used the trap Rank Revolution to negate the effects of all Xyz monsters that are higher in rank than Utopia Roots, allowing his monster to return to attacking Cowboy, destroying the monster and lowering Yuma's LP to 400. He then used the trap Overlay Accel to let Roots attack again at the cost of an OLU. Samurai was soon destroyed, bringing Yuma's attack points to 300 as his turn ended. "I hoped to remind you of what you have lost, but the way you are dueling; it was not meant to be."
What I lost? Yuma echoed as he was tossed back. What did I lose? He dug into his memories in hopes of finding it after falling far below the surface. "You know what, Astral? I'm really glad I started dueling, because when I'm dueling, I don't care that I was late for school or that I flunked today's math test - but, uh... don't tell Kari and Grandma. I can forget my problems and just have fun. That's what I love about it most... Hey Astral, what are you gonna do after you get all the Numbers?"
"I will fulfill my mission, and then return to Astral world," Astral replied simply.
"I know; I get that. But I mean after that."
"After? I have not yet considered it."
"You haven't thought about your future? The future is the best part! That's where you can do anything you want, and anything can happen. But I know you're leaving, so you won't be here with me to see it."
"Sadly, I will not."
"Hey! I bet you're thinking that I'm gonna break down and cry when you go away! You'll see, when you leave, my eyes are gonna be bone-dry! But before that, we'll have one last duel, where I'll beat you so bad that you'll be the one who's crying while I laugh all the way home."
"Come on, Yuma, you've gotten out of worse than this!" Trey called down.
"I don't think so," Quattro countered. "Face it. When it's over, it's over."
Astral activated Overlay Accel's effect, using an OLU to attack again while considering it "fun." Though he put an emphasis on the word like he was dropping a hint.
Fun; that's what I've been missing, Yuma realized. I've been shedding so many tears that I forgot that dueling is supposed to be fun. That's what I've lost: I forgot to have fun. Thanks for the reminder, Astral. Yuma activated the trap Danger Draw to draw a card, since Utopia Roots' atk was greater than Yuma's LP; if he drew a trap, he can stop the attack and activate said trap. Right when he got ready to draw, the aura I recall sensing on each Zexal Morph began to blaze from Yuma's soul; all of us could feel it. Yuma managed to pull off a Shining Draw all by himself, and he drew and activated the trap Halfway to Forever, letting him use his fallen Gagaga Xyz monsters to Xyz summon rank 0 Future Number 0: Utopic Future.
"Yuma summoned his own Number," Trey breathed.
"And an impressive-looking one at that," I added.
Yuma drew and had Future attack Utopia Roots, despite having no atk. Astral figured this to be another trick, so he had Roots use its effect, giving Future its remaining OLU in expense of its atk lowering to 300. Yuma revealed Utopic Future couldn't be destroyed in battle, and all battle damage to Yuma is negated. Plus, he could control Utopia Roots until the end of the turn. After the attack, Roots vanished from Astral's field and reappeared on Yuma's. Yuma had Roots attack directly, lowering Astral's LP to 550. He then set a facedown to call it a turn.
Astral began to glow as much as Yuma did with his Shining Draw as he chanted, "A master duelist can create his own destiny and will his exact card into existence. Go, Cosmic Shining Draw!" Astral used Hyper Rank-Up Magic Ultimate Force, letting him Hyper Xyz evolve Utopia Roots to rank 10 Number 99: Utopic Dragon. It revived Utopia Beyond from the Graveyard before being ordered to attack Utopic Future. Yuma was planning on using that to control Utopic Dragon, but Astral used an OLU to prevent Utopic Dragon's destruction and destroy all other monsters on the field in a stormy gale. Yuma managed to use one of Utopic Future's OLUs to keep it from being destroyed. Utopia Beyond was destroyed, but Yuma was about to take damage equal to its atk.
"Utopia Beyond has 3000 atk!" Trey yelled over the wind. "This is gonna wipe Yuma out!" Yuma was blasted backwards, LP at zero, but only for a brief moment. He used Utopic Future's ability, using its final OLU to give back Yuma's LP as Astral's turn ended.
Yuma drew and had Utopic Future attack Utopic Dragon, gaining control of the monster. Astral used one of the dragon's OLUs to stop that move and destroy Utopic Future, though Yuma used Future's remaining OLU to prevent that. Yuma then activated the trap Hi-Five the Sky to negate Utopic Future's abilities in exchange for a second attack. Next, he played the trap Memories of Courage to give Future 500 atk for every Number in the combined Graveyards: eight Numbers that made for 4000 atk. It also prevented Future from being destroyed despite both monsters having the same atk, so only Utopic Dragon was destroyed. Since a monster was destroyed and no damage was dealt, Yuma was able to attack again. This is it. If my next attack succeeds, I win. Yuma had Utopic Future attack directly, but was stopped by Astral's Door of Destiny trap, which would deal 500 damage for every Number that Astral banishes from the Graveyard at the end of Yuma's turn. Through Yuma's mind, I could see the haunting gate that has plagued Yuma's dreams ever since the day before he first saw Astral.
Whoever can open this door will gain a great, new power, I heard the Door speak. But know that with such a reward comes great risk: you would lose that which is most valuable to you.
I could hear Yuma's mind in conflict about the fact that he'll lose Astral - who he considers most valuable to him. Astral reminded him that it won't happen, and he'll live on in Yuma's heart even after he leaves. Yuma finally came to his decision and activated Double or Nothing, doubling Future's atk to 8000 and letting it attack again. I could see Yuma's key proudly emblazoned on his monster's armor as Future attacked. I'll never forget you, Astral. You made me cry, you made me laugh, you made me the best that I could be, and I loved every moment of it. And now, our future's waiting for us. A future without you. Near crying, Yuma odered Utopic Future to attack with Rising Sun Future Slash, sending Astral flying as his LP hit zero. The chains of the Door broke as it exploded open, Yuma winning the duel.
Yuma walked over and helped Astral back to his feet. They were looking at each other like the best friends they were. A bright blue light glowed above the duel: the Numeron Code. Numeron and Hakumei were contentedly together by the mystical card. As he was lifted towards the Code, I could see that Astral was going to use it as a means of bringing Kite and the Barian emperors back from the Shadow Realm. Everyone was thinking the same thing: Goodbye Astral; we will miss you.
I even heard one last thing from Astral as he left: My final observation: even galaxies apart, friendship is forever.
Yin came out of her card, roaring to her parents as the dragons roared back. In the midst of a blazing light, a portal of Shadow mist opened up. The Mythyrian Numbers, along with the original Photon Dragon and Number 8: Heraldic King Genome Heritage, descended from the light, their unconscious duelists in tow - with the exception of Vetrix, who was awake. An orb of light also came out as I saw an image of the Barian soldiers walking on a world of Astral blue; that must've meant Eliphas was planning on bringing the soldiers to Astral world.
I and the brothers teleported down almost immediately after the Mythyrians touched the ground. Hart rushed over to where Photon and Jinlon laid their duelists not far from each other on the ground. Iris - still with Shadow - went to where Shark and Rio were laid down by Crystal and Abyss. Dumon was safely handed over to Cathy from Pegasus' back - the resemblance between those two is striking. Once the four of us found our way down, Quattro joined in heading to the twins. Yuma and Tori went to Girag, who had Ponta along with him; Lionheart brought Alito to Nistro and Dextra. Genome let Vetrix slide down onto the ground, already standing. Finally, Battle Ox and the rest of the Numbers Club helped Vector down.
Once the four of us found our way down, the unconscious boys and girl - and raccoon - were starting to wake up. Quattro went over to the twins along with Bronk to help them both stand. Trey went over to Yuma to help him and Tori with Girag. Chris went to help Mizar and Kite as I went to Dumon and Cathy. Orbital was fixed, back online, and more than ready to see Lillybot again. Though Kite was glad to have Hart hugging the two blondes, Mizar wasn't so pleased with the fact that he was being near-strangled. Nistro and Alito were acting as goofy as ever with Dextra between them, shaking her head with a smile. Dumon was on his feet, somewhat leaning on Cathy with his arm over her shoulders, but he was glad that they were all safe and alive. I could practically see the sparks flying from Shark as Rio hid behind Quattro in an attempt at staying away from Shadow, who was still being held by a very confused Iris. Bronk seemed heartbroken at how Rio chose Quattro over him, but he shrugged it off, knowing it was mainly a schoolboy crush.
After a little while, an Overlay Network opened, with two people casually walking out. I saw two adults that I clearly recalled seeing in a picture in Yuma's room: Kazuma and Mira Tsukumo; Yuma and Kari's parents.
"Better late than never. Long time no see, Yuma," Kazuma grinned as Yuma stared, awestruck. "What? Surprised your mother and I haven't changed a bit since we went to Astral world?"
"We're so proud of you and your friends, Yuma," Mira added with a soft smile. "You made us both happy to have a son like you."
Kazuma laughed. "Now, come on Yuma, and give your old man a good, Tsukumo-style 'welcome back.'"
Yuma, tears in his eyes, ran over to his parents and threw his arms around them. I could sense how upset he was when they disappeared, and happy that they were home. The parents only hugged the boy in return, knowing that they owed it to Yuma for being gone five years.
"You've managed to save a lot of people, Star," Vetrix stated as he came up to me. "All the Barians, Kite, and myself. You even saved all who were absorbed by that Barian Pipe."
"We're all grateful for what you've done for us," Dumon added. "You kept your promise."
"Kite!" I heard Dr. Faker as he drove to the courtyard. He came out and ran to his sons. "It's a miracle that you're safe, Kite. That medical transport clearly came through."
Kite smirked at his father while Mizar was holding him steady. "I suppose so, if you could consider the Shadow Realm as such."
I crossed my arms. "Be glad that I saved your life, Kite. You'd be dead on the moon if I didn't."
"Mom! Dad!" Kari rode in on her motorcycle. "You're home! Where on Earth have you been these past five years?!"
"More like where off the Earth have we been," Kazuma corrected. "We can give you the details when we get home to Grandma. But I doubt you'd be able to make a believable news article about it."
"You can just be glad that we're home, Kari," Mira added, hugging her daughter, "safe and sound."
"And speaking of which," Kazuma looked over at Chris, Kite, and me. "I'm pretty sure I know you three. I know Star, since she helped Byron and me with keeping the three worlds apart. I believe I recall Byron's eldest son from five years ago. And the blonde boy with the bot must be Dr. Faker's oldest son."
"Wow, three in a row," I mused in slight surprise.
"Orbital, Orbital," Lillybot's voice repeated as she went to the other robot. "Lillybot is glad you are safe. But don't scare Lillybot like that again."
"I-I'll try my hardest not t-t-to, my Lillybot," Orbital replied tenderly, clasping Lilly's servos.
"Hey! Since Kite and Mizar are so alike, why not have Mizar as a new brother?" Hart suggested.
"You mean... adopting Mizar?" Kite asked.
Faker hummed. "I don't see why not. You both have similar decks, and even look and act the same. But would Mizar like it?"
Mizar contemplated for a few seconds. "I suppose having a family again wouldn't be the worst idea," he replied, looking down.
Dumon chuckled. "That would mean 'yes,' since I know him so well."
You remind me so much of my master, Sky Pegasus told Cathy. I am sure you will be a fine sister to him.
"You can count on me," Cathy replied proudly.
"I'm sure Iris would make for a good little sister to us," Shark added as I got Shadow onto my shoulder.
"Though Marin doesn't seem to like Shadow very much," the little girl moped.
"I'm sorry, sweety," Rio apologized. "I just don't really like cats."
"And cats apparently don't like me," Quattro added.
"Boy, Yuma was right about Nistro and me being the same," Alito grinned.
"Oh yeah, he's a kid after my own heart!" Nistro laughed.
In Girag's arms, Ponta pointed his tail up to the Duel Sanctuary. Master Kiraku and I can go up to that place on the mountain. That's where we lived so long ago.
"I'm sure Master Roku and Kaze would definitely welcome you both," Tori smiled, petting the raccoon.
I smiled as I watched everyone so happy together. The Barians were all glad to have survived Don Thousand, as was everyone else. They all began to realize how alike they all were. Chris came up to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as the duel spirits - besides Ponta - returned to the Shadow Realm. Just by looking at the whole scene, I knew everything we've worked for has finally paid off.